Exemplary Problems

Paradigms, in the sense of exemplary problem solutions, have normative functions since they guide scientists in their practice of normal science, they are not just accepted problem solutions. We may identify four normative functions for paradigms in the sense of exemplars:

(i) semantic function,

(ii) problem identification,

(iii) solution assessment, and

(iv) solution identification.

The semantic function of exemplars is seen in scientists' practice of normal science. Scientists employ a specific conceptual system, or what Kuhn calls a "lexicon," when they conduct normal-science researches. Some concepts of the lexicon are empirical. These concepts are directly applied to experimental and observational situations. However, the

Scientists can recognize the problematic character of a new research problem only if they have a background of previously accepted exemplary problems. Through similarity relationships scientists use the problematic character of a previously accepted exemplar to construct new research problems. Furthermore, exemplars may also help scientists to assess the relative importance of new research problems so that they direct their efforts to those problems that are worth working on.

The third function of exemplary problem solutions is assessment of proposed solutions to new puzzles. Previously solved exemplary problems provide scientists with standards that enable them to judge the acceptability of proposed puzzle-solutions, whether theoretical, instrumental, or experimental.

Finally, exemplars help scientists to arrive at the right solutions to new research problems. When scientists study the solutions to previously solved problems they become able to recognize clues that help them to see the world in such a way that appropriate solutions to new problems become evident. For example, a trained physicist is able to recognize that a particular form of Newton's law of motion is appropriate for the solution to a new puzzle that he may

They restrict the vision of the scientist to certain features of the world and his skills of solving problems to certain standard techniques. This restriction can be useful for the practice of normal science since it focuses the attention of the scientist to only significant problems and maintains uniformity in the techniques of problem solutions. Nevertheless, that restriction prevents the scientist from achieving new discoveries and arriving at novel